WhatsApp relies on the person at the other end having the same application, and also relies on both them, and yourself having current access to data. That said, it's pretty handy. I prefer Viber myself as it doesn't leave non-users on your contacts list forever.

As for "regular" SMS apps, I'd suggest GoSMS, Handcent and Chomp in that order.

dman: If the people you are texting don't have the app, what is the benefits of using a non-stock texting app?

Most of the non stock messaging apps just replace your existing one and don't require the app to be on the recipient phones. There are exceptions, but they typically use data to send messages rather than as an sms.

Well, if there is no other extra benefits over stock I see no reason for replacing mine. As using data instead is quite meaningless in this day and age when we get zillions of txts messages as our allowance which I've no hope of using up!

Who I am: multi time Ironman finisher, University of Auckland graduate, Freelancer (mainly focused on website development, message me for work).

dman: Well, if there is no other extra benefits over stock I see no reason for replacing mine. As using data instead is quite meaningless in this day and age when we get zillions of txts messages as our allowance which I've no hope of using up!

Non stock texting apps still use normal sms rather than data. For example if you use Handcent you can also add Emoji support and send little pictures with your text which as far as I am aware you cant use on stock. They have other features as well that stock doesnt.

Viber WhatsApp etc use either mobile or wifi data, and the recipient has to have it on their phone. Virtually everyone I text these days has a smartphone, and Viber. You can send photos via Viber for free as opposed to paying MMS charges. This is includes international. The thing I find most useful in Viber is group texting, effectively meaning you can text multiple people at once and they can all see each others replies in a chat format.

dman: Well, if there is no other extra benefits over stock I see no reason for replacing mine. As using data instead is quite meaningless in this day and age when we get zillions of txts messages as our allowance which I've no hope of using up!

Non stock texting apps still use normal sms rather than data. For example if you use Handcent you can also add Emoji support and send little pictures with your text which as far as I am aware you cant use on stock. They have other features as well that stock doesnt.

Viber WhatsApp etc use either mobile or wifi data, and the recipient has to have it on their phone. Virtually everyone I text these days has a smartphone, and Viber. You can send photos via Viber for free as opposed to paying MMS charges. This is includes international. The thing I find most useful in Viber is group texting, effectively meaning you can text multiple people at once and they can all see each others replies in a chat format.

Hmmm.... thanks, but so far I've heard nothing which standard txting or email doesn't do better.

Who I am: multi time Ironman finisher, University of Auckland graduate, Freelancer (mainly focused on website development, message me for work).